Replies

1. 
   jackiechan | Jan 20, 2004 04:44am | #1

   Bob,

   Here's a link to the Conover Lathe web site http://www.conover-lathe.com/  They have discontinued all manufacturing, but are still supplying parts (from what's in stock).  You can e-mail them directly from their site - drop them a line, they should have some answers for you.

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   mike4244 | Jan 20, 2004 09:58pm | #4

   I built my lathe two years ago along the lines of FWW book mentioned by Napie in his post. Mine is capable of spindle turning up to about 54", I could make it any length needed by changing bed rails. I bought headstock spindle and tailstock spindle from Grizzly. They are replacement parts from one of the larger lathes they sell. If you know a machinist he could make the spindles like the ones in the book, I would have preferred that but couldn't find anybody to do it in a reasonable amount of time. One of these days i will take pictures and post them.

   If you decide to make your own it will not cost a lot. If I recall i paid about $50.00 for the machined parts , including a spur center and live center. Maybe $40.00 for lumber, i used fir 2x4's and 2x6's laminated with titebond regular yellow glue.I put a 1/2 hp motor on it. You could probably build your own for under $200.00 to any length needed.The book mentioned is very clear, gives you all dimensions needed.

   mike

1. 
   jackiechan | Jan 21, 2004 02:31am | #5

   I think you ment to send your post to Bob Black.Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 21, 2004 06:31pm | #6

   FYI -

   A set of older Ford Mustang wheel bearings have an inside diameter just right for 3/4" black pipe (with minimal filing).  Put a pulley on one end and a face plate (plumbing supplies) on the other end and you have the basis for a crude head stock.  Slight modifications can make a tail stock.

   I did basically this once making a large kick-type potters wheel.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

2. 
   Napie | Jan 20, 2004 06:25pm | #2

   There was an article way back in FWW by Carlyle Lynch in which he built an all wood, (southern yellow pine), long bed lathe.  I have all the parts, (spindle, crank, pulley etc.), for it, just never got around putting it together.  It would be great for bed posts

3. 
   rslatm | Jan 20, 2004 06:34pm | #3

   I've found lathes to be fairly inexpensive used. They don't command the resale prices of tablesaws, jointers and planers.  Get the taunton reprint book on machines for old articles on making lathes.